Agege heading in right direction under my leadership, says council boss Obasa

In his interaction with journalists, Obasa disclosed that in the past few months, the LG under his leadership had carried out developmental projects cutting across various sectors including health, education, security, environment, fight against drug abuse, youths empowerment, community advocacy and engagement and social infrastructure, including road rehabilitation, recreational centres.

He said: "We are tackling issues on all fronts, for example, we are solving drainage issues which are also environmental issues as well. We've employed sweepers to sweep our inner streets so that they can look neat and clean. If you go around this community, major routes in and out, you see that there's nothing like you having refuse on one side of the road like you've seen other places.

"On security matters, we had issues around security, like I mentioned earlier, we are the only local government that has its own local security outfit, Agege crime fighters. We call them Paramole. They go around the community to gather intelligence information, and we have our peace and security meetings on a monthly basis. 

The council boss disclosed that several roads in the council area had been given face-lift, while many youths had been empowered with skills as part of efforts to reduce unemployment.

"On youth empowerment, we are big on youth inclusion, we've upgraded all of our skill acquisition centers to accommodate different skills. 

On Education, Obasa revealed that his administration is making significant investments in public schools within the local government area, with the aim of raising standards and making them competitive with private institutions.

Obasa disclosed that the council has already made measurable progress in upgrading educational facilities and resources across Agege.

“So far, we have renovated 17 schools, established five school libraries, and delivered essential learning tools, including 1,800 twin desks, 400 ECC furniture, 72 teacher furniture, and 92 marker boards,” he said. “We are also in the process of procuring 75 computers to expand digital learning in our schools.”

The council boss further emphasised that his administration was fully with the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. 

Read Also: UK-based Nigerian business group hails Tinubu’s procurement reforms

He particularly praised the President for the financial autonomy granted to local governments which has significantly impacted allocations to councils.

Addressing critics, he said: “You cannot avoid criticism as a public servant. Even when you are doing the right thing, people will still question you. It is part of the job.”

He noted that the several decisions taken by his administration so far especially on distribution of cooking gas to about 3,500  residents; introduction of Agege Residents Card; 50% discount on food items for residents, others were data-driven and aimed at reducing the financial burden on vulnerable households.

On the recently introduced Agege Residents Card, Obasa noted that it would grant holders access to various social services, including healthcare and welfare support.

He said, “The Residents Card will also provide access to welfare support, health services, drug relief funding, and other community benefits.”

Obasa expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos; traditional and community leaders; All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders; council staff; youths; and residents of Agege for their continued support.